ASUS isn’t short on gaming headsets, but the ROG Kithara feels like something a little different. Developed in collaboration with HiFiMan and built around large 100mm planar magnetic drivers, it aims to blur the line between traditional gaming headsets and more studio-focused audiophile headphones. Priced at £284.99 in the UK, the Kithara sits firmly in premium territory, promising detailed, spacious sound for both competitive gaming and music listening. Does it justify the price?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:02 Pricing and key info
01:41 Design first impressions
03:45 Ear cushion, cable info
05:11 Included measurement card
05:34 Headset specs
06:35 Real-world gaming experience
07:11 Music testing
07:40 Driving from an amp/DAC
09:01 Device compatibility
10:33 Mic test
11:40 Closing thoughts

Specifications

• Product Type – 3.5mm headset
• Interface – Wired
• Connector – 3.5mm
• Support Platform
  • PC
  • MAC
  • PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® 5
  • Nintendo Switch
  • iPad, iOS
  • Android
  • Xbox (* Compatible with Xbox consoles via 3.5mm connection)
• Driver Material – Planar Magnetic Driver
• Driver Size – 100 mm
• Headphones Impedance – 16 ohm
• Headphones Frequency Response – 8Hz – 55kHz
• Microphone Sensitivity – -36 dB
• Microphone Frequency Response – 20Hz – 20kHz
• Active Noise Cancellation – No
• Channel – Stereo
• Aura – No
• Foldablility – No
• Weight – 420 g
• Carry bag/box – No
• Extra ear-cushion – Yes
• Color – Black
• Cable
  • 1.8m Dual-3.5mm to Dual-3.5mm Boom Mic Cable
  • 1.8m Dual-3.5mm with 3-in-1 (3.5mm/6.3mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced) plug cable
• Accessories
  • 1.8m Dual-3.5mm to Dual-3.5mm Boom Mic Cable
  • 1.8m Dual-3.5mm with 3-in-1 (3.5mm/6.3mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced) plug cable
  • USB-C to Dual-3.5mm Adapter
  • 2 sets of Ear Cushion: 1 x Velour, 1 x Leatherette with Mesh Fabric
  • Frequency Response Measurement Card
  • Warranty Booklet
  • Quick Start Guide

You can buy the ROG Kithara Gaming Headset for £284.99 from Scan HERE.

Pros:

• High quality, detailed audio.
• Great frequency separation.
• Very comfortable.
• Good selection of accessories.
• Clean design.

Cons:

• Weak headband adjustment brackets.
• Needs a DAC/Amp/Audio Interface to get the most from it.

KitGuru says: The ROG Kithara brings great sound quality to a gaming headset.

The post ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming Headset Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Lofree is trying to make its mark in the keyboard market with the Hyzen. This 65% keyboard features a sleek, CNC-cut aluminium chassis that hides a suite of enthusiast-grade internals, most notably a brand-new switch type that claims to bridge the gap between traditional mechanical feel and magnetic performance.

According to TechPowerUP, these new hybrid switches are named Nexus, a co-engineered project between Lofree and Kailh. In what Lofree calls a world first, the Nexus switch combines standard metal contacts and pins for a mechanical typing experience with a TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance) sensor in the stem. This hybrid approach allows the Hyzen to offer the tactile feedback typists enjoy alongside adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, and analogue input features usually reserved for magnetic gaming boards.

Connectivity is handled by a Nordic nRF54L series MCU, enabling an 8 kHz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. For those who prioritise longevity, the Hyzen packs a massive 10,000 mAh battery, which Lofree claims can provide up to 80 hours of continuous use. The keyboard also features a unique physical toggle that swaps the number row to a function row, accompanied by an LED strip that illuminates to show active function shortcuts.

Additional QoL features include a rear-mounted volume knob and a physical switch for toggling between Bluetooth 5.4, 2.4 GHz, and wired modes. The Hyzen is scheduled to launch on Kickstarter on April 23rd, but early-bird reservations are already open on the Lofree site (until April 22nd). Early bird backers can get the tri-mode wireless version for $189 (vs. a planned $299 MSRP) or the wired-only variant for $169 (vs. a $279 MSRP).

KitGuru says: Hybrid switches that offer the precision of a Hall-Effect gaming board without sacrificing the character of a mechanical switch could usher in a new trend in the keyboard market. 

The post Lofree unveils the Hyzen, the first keyboard to use tactile mechanical-magnetic switches first appeared on KitGuru.